Common symptoms
- Comprehensive hand & wrist evaluation
- Same-day imaging at most offices
- Conservative-first care plan tailored to your goals
- Coordinated specialty referrals when needed
- In-network insurance for most major carriers
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
Carpal tunnel release relieves median-nerve compression at the wrist when splinting, injections, and activity changes haven't worked. LAOSS hand surgeons offer the procedure as a same-day outpatient case with most patients returning to desk work within days.
See a specialist this week
Board-certified surgeons and podiatrists across eight Los Angeles area neighborhoods.
Book a visitOr call (323) 264-7600
Key takeaways
- Carpal tunnel release is considered when numbness, tingling, or hand weakness from carpal tunnel syndrome continues despite splinting and injections, or when nerve testing shows significant compression.
- Candidacy is confirmed with exam findings and, when needed, nerve conduction testing.
- Most plans include pre-op education and post-op rehab milestones.
- You get a clear return-to-work and activity timeline.
About carpal tunnel release
Carpal tunnel release is part of the hand & wrist care we offer at LAOSS. Below, we walk through the anatomy involved, who benefits from this service, what it looks like at our clinics, and the recovery and risk considerations to weigh.
Our specialists move stepwise: start with the least-invasive option that fits, escalate only when it doesn't.
Watch: Carpal Tunnel Release (Endoscopic Technique)
This surgery relieves pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. It treats the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Inside the hand & wrist.
The hand and wrist are an intricate stack of small bones, tendons, and nerves that let you grip, pinch, and feel.
What we offer with carpal tunnel release.
Common causes
- New patients exploring an orthopedic complaint
- Existing LAOSS patients continuing care
- Patients seeking a second opinion
- Athletes and active adults of every age
How we start treatment
When you book with LAOSS for carpal tunnel release, here's the flow:
- Initial visit: detailed history, focused exam, on-site X-ray when needed
- Diagnosis & plan: most patients leave with a clear diagnosis and a written treatment plan, with nerve conduction testing ordered when needed
- Treatment: whether that's PT, an injection, or surgery, your specialist stays involved at every step
- Follow-up: measured benchmarks, direct line to your care team, plan adjustments as recovery progresses
Hand & wrist care, conservative-first.
We start with the least-invasive option that fits, and escalate only when it doesn't.
Conservative care
Step 1Non-surgical care for carpal tunnel syndrome
Mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome often improves without surgery.
- Wrist splint worn at night to keep the wrist straight
- Corticosteroid injection into the carpal tunnel
- Activity and ergonomic changes
- Nerve and tendon gliding exercises with a hand therapist
- Managing related conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disease
Surgical care
When neededCarpal tunnel release options
Release surgery divides the ligament over the carpal tunnel to take pressure off the median nerve.
- Open carpal tunnel release through a small incision in the palm
- Endoscopic carpal tunnel release through one or two smaller incisions
- Wide-awake surgery with local anesthetic only (WALANT) for suitable patients
- Hand therapy afterward if stiffness or weakness lingers
Why experience matters.
Why experience matters
Hand & wrist care is highly technique-dependent. Volume, training, and judgment together determine the outcome you feel six months later.
- Precise diagnosis from imaging and exam
- Conservative-first care that avoids unnecessary surgery
- Technique refined over thousands of cases
- On-site imaging + coordinated PT through your in-network provider
The LAOSS approach
Our hand & wrist specialists move stepwise: start with the least-invasive option that fits, escalate only when it doesn't.
- Same-day imaging at most offices
- PT coordinated in your insurance network
- Board-certified specialists performing the procedures themselves
- Direct access to your specialist between visits
Am I a candidate?
If most of these match your situation, an evaluation with a hand & wrist specialist is the next step.
You may be a candidate if
These signs typically point toward this service being a good fit.
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, or ring finger
- Symptoms that wake you at night or come on with driving, typing, or gripping
- Hand weakness, clumsiness, or dropping things
- Night splinting or a steroid injection that did not give lasting relief
- Exam or nerve testing that confirms pressure on the median nerve at the wrist
What evaluation includes
Your first visit is built to give you an answer the same day, not just another referral.
- Detailed history: onset, mechanism, what makes it better or worse
- Hands-on exam focused on the affected joint or region
- On-site imaging at most offices (X-ray, ultrasound)
- Clear plan with options ranging from conservative to surgical
- Same-day or next-day scheduling for any follow-up tests
ImportantSeek urgent evaluation for sudden severe pain, numbness or weakness in the hand that worsens quickly after a wrist injury, a finger that turns pale or cold, or any sign of infection (fever, increasing redness or swelling).
Your hand & wrist recovery roadmap.
Recovery is rarely a straight line, but a clear plan with measurable milestones makes the path predictable.
- Days 0 to 14
Right after care
In the first two weeks we focus on protecting the hand & wrist, calming inflammation, and restoring basic motion.
- Activity modification with clear do/don't guidance
- Ice, elevation, and pain control as needed
- Gentle range-of-motion within safe limits
- Follow-up scheduled to track healing
- Weeks 2 to 8
Rehabilitation
Targeted physical therapy rebuilds strength, mobility, and confidence in the hand & wrist.
- Progressive strengthening and neuromuscular work
- Manual therapy and soft-tissue treatment
- Sport- or job-specific movement re-training
- Coordinated PT through your in-network provider
- Months 2+
Long-term care
Once function is restored, the focus shifts to keeping you there, and catching any recurrence early.
- Return-to-activity plan with measured benchmarks
- Home program tailored to your sport or job
- Maintenance visits or imaging if symptoms change
- Direct line back to your specialist if needed
Risks & considerations
What to weigh before you decide.
We talk through the risks and benefits with every patient. Informed consent is a conversation, not a form.
General considerations
Every orthopedic intervention carries a small set of standard risks. We screen, prepare, and monitor for these on every patient.
- Infection (rare with modern technique and prophylaxis)
- Bleeding or bruising at the treatment site
- Reaction to anesthesia or medications
- Need for additional procedures in some cases
Hand and wrist considerations
Some risks are tied to the structures we're treating in the hand & wrist. We discuss these in detail at your visit so you can weigh them against the benefits.
- Temporary stiffness or weakness during recovery
- Incomplete pain relief in a small percentage of cases
- Nerve or vessel irritation near the treatment area
- Need for follow-up therapy to fully restore function
Meet our hand & wrist specialists
At LAOSS, our hand & wrist specialists are board-certified and treat these problems every day. From minimally invasive techniques to coordinating your rehab, our physicians bring decades of experience to every case. We have cared for Los Angeles patients since 2007, with one goal for each: less pain, better movement, and a return to the activities you love.
Reliable carpal tunnel release care starts here
With same- or next-day appointments at eight Los Angeles-area offices, you'll never wait weeks or months for answers. Whether you need physical therapy, injections, or surgery, we plan it with you and coordinate each step.
Call or schedule online today to see a hand & wrist specialist in Los Angeles.
From our Google reviews
Read all 9,626 reviews on GoogleWhat patients say
“So Dr. Pickrell did my carpal tunnel surgery almost 2 weeks ago. I came in today for my follow up appointment and we are both very happy with the results for my numbness and tingling is gone and I can actually sleep through the night without my hand bothering me. …”
Amy K.Google reviewTarzanaMay 2025
“…He performed a Carpal Tunnel Release on my left wrist today. He performed a local block by injecting local anesthesia. Then doing the 30 min surgery. His team was courteous and knowledgeable. After a little cleaning and a sterile dressing. I was able to drive myself home and after 5 hours am only experiencing a slight pain. Very happy”
Riley M.Google reviewEast Los AngelesJun 2024
“I had carpal tunnel surgery Dr Malafa is such a great surgeon if you want relive please call give him a call his bed side manner is outstanding just a awesome doctor”
Mercedes G.Google reviewEast Los AngelesJul 2023
“Today I had carpal tunnel surgery with Dr Brent B Pickrell and everything was quickly and very kind, professional and also the assistant too They put a music and I felt very comfortable and relaxed The experience was excellent, Great Service!! …”
Veronica C.Google reviewSanta Fe SpringsJan 2025
Selected 5-star reviews from Google, shown as written. Individual results vary.
Common questions
You asked. We answered.
- It is usually recommended when numbness, tingling, or weakness continues despite splinting and injections, or when nerve testing shows moderate to severe compression of the median nerve. Constant numbness or weakening of the thumb muscles is a reason not to delay.
Don't wait on pain.
Ready to relieve hand pain? Book your consultation today at one of our eight Los Angeles-area locations.
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21 specialists · 8 offices
Greater Los Angeles
On-site X-raySame visit
Most insurers acceptedIn-network